Page 310 - Peterson 85 Years and Going Strong
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eyes on. And then the tenant moved out, leaving a big space with even bigger possibilities. After a few more iterations of plans and tactful, persuasive nudging, Duane’s no finally changed to yes. It was August 2008.
GROWING A UNIVERSITY
The concept of a corporate training center had been floating around for years before that. “We already had the traditional Technical Training Dept. over at Tractor,” explains Duane Sr. “What we needed was an umbrella organization we could put that into because technical training is absolutely critical to our business. But we also wanted to offer other types of training like computer skills, communica- tion skills, selling and presentation skills, organiza- tional skills, and leadership skills in general. So the concept of a dedicated university was actually born before we moved into its current location on Tea- garden. That’s just where it really took off because we finally had the space and autonomy to make it into something bigger.”
Top to bottom: Engine lab in San Leandro; Matt Torrence/Peterson engine and International Truck trainer in San Leandro
Peterson University held its first class on January 1, 2009. Randy Mayeda taught the Power Techni- cian Skills class to a group of three students1: Andy Stevens, Don Sellers Jr., and Todd Kroeck, all Pe- terson Power techs at the time. “When we first opened the University, we had two classrooms and a big open lab space,” says Gjerman, who spear- headed the building project. “The Cat Emporium, Peterson’s novelty merchandise center, also moved over into the corner of the University.” Duane’s goal was for the Emporium to help offset costs for running the University. With higher visibility and customer traffic at its new location, that plan start- ed paying off.
Today, Peterson University’s campus in San Lean- dro has grown to six classrooms and two large lab
     Randy Mayeda (C) was Peterson’s first EPG trainer
1 Randy Mayeda was Peterson’s first Power EPG trainer. He passed away unexpectedly in March 2018, after a 33-year career at Peterson Power.
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